Cost of Peer Counselling for Exclusive Breastfeeding in Uganda
Author Information
Author(s): Chola Lumbwe, Nkonki Lungiswa, Kankasa Chipepo, Nankunda Jolly, Tumwine James, Tylleskar Thorkild, Robberstad Bjarne
Primary Institution: Centre for International Health, University of Bergen
Hypothesis
Can individual peer counselling effectively increase exclusive breastfeeding rates in Uganda?
Conclusion
Exclusive breastfeeding promotion in sub-Saharan Africa is feasible and can be implemented at a sustainable cost.
Supporting Evidence
- Annual project costs were estimated to be US$56,308.
- The cost per mother counselled was US$139.
- The cost per visit was US$26.
- At 12 weeks, exclusive breastfeeding prevalence was 81.6% in the intervention group.
- At 24 weeks, exclusive breastfeeding prevalence was 58.6% in the intervention group.
Takeaway
This study shows that helping mothers with peer support can make breastfeeding easier and more common, which is good for babies.
Methodology
The study involved costing a peer support intervention for 406 mothers, collecting financial and economic costs from 2005-2008.
Potential Biases
Potential bias due to the trial setting and the competitive salaries of project staff.
Limitations
The study was conducted in a trial setting, which may not reflect real-world costs.
Participant Demographics
Participants were breastfeeding mothers in Mbale district, Uganda.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.05
Confidence Interval
95%CI 1.70-2.11
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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